Petroglyphs Taken From Volcanic Tableland Recovered

Acting on an anonymous tip, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has recovered the petroglyph panels taken from a major rock art site north of Bishop. Suspects(s) have not been identified. The investigation is ongoing so additional information is not available at this time.

Reward funds totaling $9,000 have been donated or pledged for information leading to the conviction of the responsible party(ies). The damaged petroglyph panels at the site on the Volcanic Tableland were discovered in late 2012.

"Recovery of the petroglyphs was a priority from day one. I am pleased that they were returned. Now we need the public's help to identify the vandals responsible for damaging the site," said Bernadette Lovato, BLM Bishop Field Office Manager.

Anybody with information about the theft is asked to contact BLM law enforcement at (760) 937-0301 or (760) 937-0657. The suspect(s) may have experience and access to masonry cutting tools.

The petroglyph site is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This site is one of the most significant rock art sites in the region and is still used by the local Paiute for ceremony.

Convictions on ARPA violations can result in fines and/or prison terms. In addition, ARPA provides for civil fines, either in conjunction with or independent of any criminal prosecution, and forfeiture of vehicles and equipment used in the violation of the statute.